No FIR or Arrests After Major LPG Cylinder Seizure in Kerala, Awaiting Collector's Orders
In Thiruvananthapuram, days after authorities seized more than 600 illegally stored LPG cylinders near Attingal, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and no arrests have been made so far. Officials have stated that further legal action will depend on directions from the district collector, highlighting a cautious approach in this high-profile case.
Detailed Report Submitted to Collector
According to civil supplies officials, a detailed report on the seizure has been submitted to the collector, and a case will be registered only after receiving further instructions. The seized cylinders include domestic, commercial, and 'Chotu' variants, all belonging to major oil corporations such as Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. This discovery has raised suspicions of large-scale diversion and illegal distribution of LPG in the region, pointing to potential systemic issues in the supply chain.
Suspected Black-Market Operation Uncovered
Significantly, a portion of the seized cylinders, branded as 'Super Gas', were allegedly stored at an establishment identified as Vinod Gas Agency and sold at inflated prices. This indicates a possible black-market operation, with officials noting that the stock includes both filled and empty cylinders, suggesting illegal refilling and unauthorised distribution. "The supply chain and end users are being traced," said Muhammed Shafiq, special officer in charge of the Kerala LPG War Room, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to unravel the network behind this illicit activity.
Ongoing Verification and Parallel Enforcement Drives
The seized cylinders have been shifted to an AMC godown, where stock verification and ownership checks are currently underway. Officials have stated that the findings from this process will be crucial in determining the next course of legal action, which may include stringent measures based on the collector's direction and investigation outcomes. In parallel enforcement drives, authorities have taken additional actions:
- Five domestic cylinders were seized from two hotels for illegal storage.
- Fifty commercial cylinders transported without valid documents were taken into custody during a late-night inspection on April 10.
This inspection was conducted by a special squad under the supply office based on confidential information, showcasing proactive measures to combat such violations. Authorities have indicated that stringent action, including possible registration of cases and arrests, will follow based on the collector's direction and the outcome of the ongoing investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which this matter is being handled.
